In compliance with local law, the Australian version of Grand Theft Auto IV doesn't show player outercourse, though the lewd act remains implied with "car rocking" visuals and potty mouth dialogue.

According to GameSpot, "in Australian versions of GTA IV, Niko can indeed pick up prostitutes, but once he takes said sex worker to a secluded area, the game camera shifts to a tight shot of the rear of the vehicle the pair are in and cannot be moved."

Prostitution upgrades resulting in superior player health have also been removed from the Australian version.

The US and international versions of GTA IV take the implied sexual act a step further, however, by showing fully clothed dry humping (also called frottage) scenes that simulate the motions of intercourse. There is no nudity in the Mature rated game, however, only scantily clad women.

As an alternative to traditional food power ups found in video games, Grand Theft Auto III introduced the concept of prostitution power-ups in 2001, something that has since — in addition to the series' portrayed violence and profanity — resulted in widespread controversy.